The enigma of optical momentum in a medium

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Barnett, Stephen M. and Loudon, Rodney (2010) The enigma of optical momentum in a medium. Philosophical Transactions A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 368 (1914). pp. 927-939. ISSN 1471-2962 (https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2009.0207)

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Abstract

It is 100 years since Minkowski and Abraham first gave rival expressions for the momentum of light in a material medium. At the single-photon level, these correspond, respectively, either to multiplying or dividing the free-space value () by the refractive index (n). The debate that this work started has continued till the present day, punctuated by the occasional publication of 'decisive' experimental demonstrations supporting one or other of these values. We review the compelling arguments made in support of the Minkowski and Abraham forms and are led to the conclusion that both momenta are correct. We explain why two distinct momenta are needed to describe light in a medium and why each appears as the natural, and experimentally observed, momentum in appropriate situations.

  • Item type:Article
    ID code:27285
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    13 March 2010
    Published
    Subjects:Science > Physics
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user:Users 1261 not found.
    Date deposited:31 Aug 2010 13:04
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 09:36
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/27285
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